A youth football match in Brazil has made headlines around the world after a mass brawl led to 51 red cards being issued, setting a reported new record for dismissals in a single game.

The incident happened during the first leg of the Minas Gerais Under-20 Championship semi-final between Uberlandia and Mamore on Sunday, November 1.

According to reports, 43 players and eight members of the coaching staff were sent off after violence broke out during the match.

The trouble began in the second half after Mamore scored to extend its lead to 3-1. The team's player, Davi, reportedly made provocative gestures towards the opposing bench while celebrating the goal.

Uberlandia's goalkeeping coach, Paulo Sergio Dias Dos Santos, then ran onto the pitch to confront him, triggering a fight involving players and officials from both sides.

The referee, Fernando Patrick Drosghic Modesto, had already sent off three players before the main brawl erupted.

The match was interrupted for about 40 minutes before the referee eventually abandoned it due to the disorder and safety concerns.

Reports from Brazilian media also indicated that the violence caused significant damage at Parque do Sabia Stadium, prompting the involvement of military police.

The reported 51 dismissals surpass the previous record of 36 red cards issued during a fifth-division match between Argentine clubs Atletico Claypole and Victoriano Arenas in February 2011.

Reuters reported that two additional Uberlandia board members were also dismissed, bringing the total number of red cards recorded in the incident to 53.

Following the chaos, Uberlandia announced that it would forfeit the return leg of the semi-final in what it described as a gesture of fair play.

The decision allowed Mamore to advance to the final, as the team was left with only seven eligible players, the minimum required to field a side.

The incident has drawn attention to the importance of discipline and safety in football, particularly in youth competitions where players are still developing both their skills and conduct on the field.

source:https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/world/2026-11-05-world-record-51-red-cards-shown-in-brazil-game